HC Deb 19 September 1950 vol 478 cc1708-9
27. Mr. Bossom

asked the Lord President of the Council whether the Bailey Bridge constructed adjacent to the Hungerford Bridge as an entrance to the 1951 Exhibition, will be covered; whether there will be escalators at either end; and whether there will be a moving platform on this, so as to enable aged and infirm people to use this bridge in all weathers.

The Lord President of the Council (Mr. Herbert Morrison)

The Bailey Bridge will not be covered over its full length. Access to it will be by staircases, and a moving platform is not being provided. But this bridge will be only one of four entries into the Exhibition, apart from the two river piers, and special arrangements to meet the need of aged and infirm people will be made at the other entrances for wheeled chairs.

Mr. Bossom

Does not the right hon. Gentleman realise that it is a very long walk across this bridge; that we have a rather unusual type of climate in this country which may make the bridge practically useless for many days; and will he not reconsider this matter?

Mr. Morrison

I think we shall manage. I hope the House will not press me to spend needless money. I am trying to be economical in this venture, and I should be encouraged in that.

Sir H. Williams

Can the right hon. Gentleman tell us what will be on the other side of the bridge when we have crossed the river?